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Top Places to Visit in Katra besides Vaishno Devi

places to visit in katra besides vaishno devi

Situated in Jammu and Kashmir, Katra is famous for its pilgrimage destination Vaishno Devi and attracts numerous visitors from all around every year. With warm hospitable people and nature at its best, Katra is an ideal place to visit. What’s more, there are many other places to visit in Katra that are popular and are in close proximity that you can visit with your loved ones.

So if you are visiting this place, don’t just think Vaishno Devi temple is the only place you can go to but there are several places to visit near Vaishno Devi as well. Explore the rich culture and beauty of this town that is situated in the Reasi district.

Here are a few places that you can visit when you are in Katra:

Ban Ganga Temple

ban ganga temple
Source: flickr

Located about 3 km from Katra, this temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples and holds great significance. It is believed that Goddess Durga had halted here to take rest while heading to the Trikuta Hills. As she was resting there, her attention was caught by a langur which was lying there thirsty. In order to help the langur, Goddess Durga used an arrow to shoot into a rock. When she did that, a freshwater spring emerged which is now popularly referred to as Banganga. Hence, this spring water is considered very holy and significant by the devotees. Several pilgrims also come here to take a holy bath after which they start their religious journey. The water here is believed to be pristine and helps those who take a dip here to get rid of the sadness or obstacles in their lives. As per the legends, Goddess Durga washed her hair in this river. The Banganga temple is located by this river amidst the picturesque views of the majestic hills making it look even more attractive. The temple offers a very serene atmosphere. It is one of the famous places to visit in Katra.

Bagh-e-Bahu

bagh-e-bahu
Source: Holidify

Situated about 45 km from Katra, Bagh-e-bahu is a unique place and is at the top of the list of places to visit in Katra and its surroundings. Many devotees choose this place to relax after visiting the holy temples and shrines in Katra. One of the most popular gardens located in Jammu, this garden is perfect for a stroll or a refreshing walk. One of the most noteworthy things about this garden is the beautiful lake which enhances the beauty of this garden even more. The garden also houses a temple of Maa Kali on its premises. Once you enter the garden, you will get to see beautifully aligned trees that lead to the walkway. There is also a terrace garden and a variety of pleasant blooming flowers that adds to the vibes of this garden. Thus the aesthetics and the serene environment of this garden attract tourists to this garden throughout the year. You will also get to see locals visiting this garden for a relaxing time. So whether you are alone, or with your family or your partner, this garden is a perfect place to visit. For couples, the Bagh-e-Bahu garden will definitely be romantic due to the calming natural surroundings. Other than a lake and a temple, this garden also houses one of the largest underground aquariums that you can find in India. This aquarium has been well-maintained and houses several species of fresh-water and marine water fishes. Other than that you will also find a museum and a laboratory. Bagh-e-Bahu garden is a perfect place to visit for those who want to explore nature, aquatic life, and more. There is no wonder why it attracts tourists to this place.

Jhajjar Kotli

jhajjar kotli

While in Katra, do not miss out on visiting Jhajjar Kotli, situated about 15 km from Katra, this destination offers serenity and peace with lush greenery and a soothing surrounding to make you feel refreshed. The fresh air and the beautiful sight of this place make it a popular place among tourists.

Himkoti

If you are looking for a place that offers nothing but only nature at its best, you should definitely go here as it is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Katra and around it. It is situated at a distance of about 13 km from Katra and provides a splendid view of the entire valley. You will also find many locals who travel here for a fun picnic. An artificial pond in Himkoti adds even more charm to this place. And in case you want a completely serene experience in this already calming spot, there is also a meditation center. Isn’t that an icing on the cake? So if you are in Katra do visit Himkoti for its majestic views and beautiful greenery. This place is also known as the Himkoti viewpoint for the breath-taking view it offers.

While you are here for a picnic you can also enjoy some dishes from the restaurants and counters that have been set up here. They serve mouth-watering delicacies thus adding more to your experience.

So here is the list of famous places to visit in Katra and around it.

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5 Places to Visit Near Vaishno Devi

places to visit near vaishno devi

Located in Katra at the Trikuta Mountains, of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most popular pilgrim destinations of India. As the name suggests, the shrine is an ode to Mata Vaishno Devi. Devotees from across the country pay their homage to the Goddess, walking 12 km uphill and seeking her blessings. The popularity of the shrine has resulted in Katra developing into a leading tourist destination in north India. 2019 witnessed 79.4 lakh pilgrims coming for the darshan. A significant majority of these tourists visit here during the Navratris and their itineraries also include places to visit near Vaishno Devi.

The popularity of this destination has subsequently resulted in pilgrims not only coming for their pilgrimage but also as tourists to explore the places around Vaishno Devi. In this blog, we will look at 5 places to visit near Vaishno Devi, so that the next time you decide to come to Vaishno Devi, you can explore these destinations as well.

Read on!

Table of Content:

  1. Jammu City
  2. Katra
  3. Patnitop
  4. Bhaderwah
  5. Kashmir

1. Jammu City

Tourist places in Jammu & Kashmir

One of the 2 major divisions of the Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu city is the winter capital of the union territory and is home to several tourist destinations. The city has been home to the Dogra dynasty, who were the erstwhile rulers of J&K. Jammu city is only 45 minutes away from Katra and has several tourist spots that one can experience. To begin with, you can explore the Raghunath Mandir which has 300 icons of gods and goddesses. You can follow this up by visiting Bagh-e-Bahu located at Bahu Fort. The bagh or garden offers a scenic view of the Tawi river. Moving on, while in Jammu you must visit the Amar Mahal Palace which was built in the 19th century on the lines of a French Chateau. Now a museum, it exhibits miniature paintings, books, and a golden throne.

2. Katra

Famous for the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, you can also visit the ISKCON Temple while you are in Katra. Also,  do not forget to explore the Katra market, which has numerous shops that sell dry fruits, honey, herbs, and pashmina items. You can also visit the Nau Devi Cave Temple, which is located 10 km away from Katra and features a 200 years old cave and features nine naturally carved idols of goddesses. Additionally, Baba Dhansar temple is one of the popular places to visit in Katra.

3. Patnitop

Best Ropeways of India

One of the several pristine hill stations of Jammu and Kashmir and is one of the most popular places to visit near Vaishno Devi as it is located only an hour’s drive from the famous shrine. The destination is famous for its pleasant weather during summers and snowfall during winters. It also is home to Skyview Patnitop by Empyrean, an adventure tourism destination of north India. The destination features the highest gondola ride in India in terms of ground clearance, the first zig-zag zipline in India, the first magic carpet in India, and restaurants that are one of the best places to eat in Patnitop. While you are in Patnitop, you can explore the meadows and the nearby tourist places of Patnitop as well. These include Sanasar, Madhatop, and Nathatop.

4. Bhaderwah

Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, Bhaderwah is an upcoming tourist destination of Jammu and Kashmir with serene views earning it the name of “mini Kashmir”. While in Bhadarwah, don’t forget to visit the Bhaderwah Fort which belonged to the erstwhile rulers of this picturesque destination. Additionally, you can also experience paragliding while you are here giving you a memorable aerial view of the valley. Other famous tourist destinations of Bhaderwah are Gupt Ganga, Jai Valley, Thanalla Village, Laxmi Narayan Temple, and Chinta Valley.

5. Kashmir

doodhpathir kashmir

Despite being at a distance of 240 km from Vaishno Devi, several tourists add Kashmir to the itinerary thanks to Kashmir’s popularity across the world. The best way to experience its beauty is to hire a cab or drive to Kashmir’s capital Srinagar. The famous destination is known for its water bodies such as Dal Lake, Wula Lake, Manesar Lake; hill stations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg. While you are in Kashmir, you can get your hands on the finest cashmere products made in the world along with saffron, one of the most expensive spices in the world. Kashmir is also a delight for people who love exploring different cuisine, Kashmir’s much famous wazwaan is a must-try for every visitor to the pristine valley.

Vaishno Devi is one of the numerous places that make Jammu and Kashmir a traveler’s paradise. From the historic palaces, serene hill stations, and pristine lakes, Vaishno Devi is in the vicinity of all of these. We are sure whenever you decide to visit Vaishno Devi, you will visit these places as well.